An Online Community Newsletter published by the Pencoed Town Council
A large area of the project is wetland, which is fed by a spring near the summit of Cefn Hirgoed. In this area, board-walks are being constructed to ease the way for walkers.
At the present time, the project is the home for a multitude of grasses, reeds, foxgloves and heather, as well as trees such as willow, oak, and ash. Since the project began, there has been a increase in the variety of birds, butterflies and other insects. The area is also home to slow worms and grass snakes.
At the present time, the project is the home for a multitude of grasses, reeds, foxgloves and heather, as well as trees such as willow, oak, and ash. Since the project began, there has been a increase in the variety of birds, butterflies and other insects. The area is also home to slow worms and grass snakes.
Since the project came into being in 2000, the Pencoed Millennium Wood Project has come along in leaps and bounds.
Map showing the location of the Millennium Project
The Project, which was funded by the Lord of the Manor, Earl Dunraven, is situated on the southern slope of Cefn Hirgoed just north of the town. It is based on an area of common land, that has been fenced off, with the commoners permission to form a stock free area on which the Town Council hope to establish a natural woodland. Hundreds of years ago the area was indeed thickly wooded (the name Cefn Hirgoed means "long ridge of trees"), but these woods were apparently felled to feed the iron works at nearby Tondu.
The area of a few acres is centred on what is locally called the "Colliers' Path" which runs from Ystad Waun to Heol-y-Cyw (Footpath 29). Over the past three years, the area was cleared of bracken, (by tramping and chemicals) and gorse (by cutting and burning). A number of native trees were introduced and other trees allowed to establish themselves naturally from the hedgerow in the south and already established areas of woodland to the east and west.
The Millennium Wood Project
